Heat Exchanging and Accumulating Single Well for Ground Energy Collection

ABSTRACT

An underground heat transferring method and system is disclosed. The system includes a water-blocking heat-exchanging outer wall defining an enclosure and an insulated tube located inside the enclosure. The insulated tube defines a perforated portion at the bottom. Multiple heat exchanging particles are disposed between the outer wall and the insulated tube. The system also includes an inlet that is configured for receiving a working fluid and directing the working fluid to flow through the heat exchanging particles towards the bottom of the enclosure. A pump located inside the insulated tube is configured for pumping the working fluid collected at the bottom of the insulated tube. An exhalant siphon fluidly connected to the pump inside the insulated tube is configured for delivering the working fluid out of the underground heat transferring system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/720,601, filed Oct. 31, 2012. Said U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/720,601 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to the field of energy harvesting systems, and particularly to a method and system for harvesting ground energy.

BACKGROUND

A ground-coupled heat exchanger is an underground heat exchanger that can capture heat from and/or dissipate heat to the ground. Technologies such as buried pipes/tubes are commonly utilized to facilitate the heat exchange. However, traditional buried pipes/tubes technology is poorly efficient in energy collection and highly demanding in land occupation, therefore it is hard to achieve wide-spread application.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to an underground heat transferring system. The system includes a water-blocking heat-exchanging outer wall defining an enclosure and an insulated tube located inside the enclosure. The insulated tube defines a perforated portion at the bottom. Multiple heat exchanging particles are disposed between the outer wall and the insulated tube. The system also includes an inlet that is configured for receiving a working fluid and directing the working fluid to flow through the heat exchanging particles towards the bottom of the enclosure. A pump located inside the insulated tube is configured for pumping the working fluid collected at the bottom of the insulated tube. An exhalant siphon fluidly connected to the pump inside the insulated tube is configured for delivering the working fluid out of the underground heat transferring system.

A further embodiment of the present disclosure is also directed to a heat transferring method. The method includes: directing a working fluid to flow through a plurality of heat exchanging particles disposed between a water-blocking heat-exchanging outer wall and an insulated inner tube; collecting the working fluid at the bottom of the inner tube; and pumping the collected working fluid through an exhalant siphon to deliver the working fluid.

An additional embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to an underground heat transferring method. The method includes: a) directing a working fluid to flow through a plurality of heat exchanging particles disposed between a water-blocking heat-exchanging outer wall and an insulated inner tube; b) collecting the working fluid at the bottom of the inner tube; c) pumping the collected working fluid through an exhalant siphon located inside the insulated tube to deliver the working fluid to a heat consuming device; and d) receiving the working fluid returned from the heat consuming device and repeating step a).

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate subject matter of the disclosure. Together, the descriptions and the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The numerous advantages of the disclosure may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of the heat exchanging and accumulating single well system for ground energy collection in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is another side elevation cross-sectional view of the heat exchanging and accumulating single well system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the heat exchanging and accumulating particles;

FIG. 4 is an illustration depicting the insulated tube and its perforated portion;

FIG. 5 is an illustration depicting the heat exchanging and accumulating particles;

FIG. 6 is an illustration depicting the heat exchanging and accumulating particles arranged in a different manner;

FIG. 7 is an illustration depicting the heat exchanging and accumulating particles arranged in yet a different manner; and

FIG. 8 is a method flow diagram illustrating a heat transferring method in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the subject matter disclosed, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The present disclosure is directed to a heat exchanging and accumulating single well system for ground energy collection (hereinafter referred to as “heat accumulating single well”). The heat accumulating single well in accordance with the present disclosure collects ground energy (i.e., heat) through cycle water to provide energy sources for heat pumps. With stable energy sources, heat pumps work to provide constant heating, cooling and domestic hot water to buildings.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 4, the heat exchanging and accumulating single well system 100 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The single well system 100 includes a water-blocking heat-exchanging outer wall 104 buried underground and an insulated tube 106 located inside the outer wall 104. Heat exchanging and accumulating particles 102 are positioned between the water-blocking heat-exchanging wall 104 and the insulated tube 106. As illustrated in FIG. 2, as water flows into the well downwards through the particles 102, the particles 102 keep absorbing or releasing heat through the water-blocking heat-exchanging wall 104 until their temperature becomes the same as the ground source 112.

The water is then collected at the settling area 108 and eventually enters the bottom of the insulated tube 106 through its perforated portion. One or more water pumps 110 located near the bottom of the insulated tube 106 may then pump the cycle water up and out of the well 100. The water pumped out of the well 100 may be delivered to power heat pumps or other heat consuming devices. And subsequently, the outflow from the heat pumps then flows back into the well 100. After full contact with particles 102 for heat exchange, the water re-enters into the insulated tube 106 and repeats the cycle.

It is contemplated that the water-blocking heat-exchanging wall 104 may be formed utilizing any material that is water resistant and suitable for heat transfer. Such materials may include, for example, fabric materials, plastic materials, metallic materials, or the like. It is also contemplated that while the water-blocking heat-exchanging material forms a circular wall as shown in FIG. 3, such a configuration is merely exemplary. The cross-section of the water-blocking heat-exchanging wall may be in various other shapes such as oval, square, rectangular or the like without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

It is further contemplated that the particles 102 utilized in accordance with the present disclosure may be arranged in various manners to provide different heat exchanging and accumulating properties. In one embodiment, the particles are substantially spherical particles having a predetermined diameter. The spherical shape forms gaps between the particles, and the predetermined diameter allows the gaps to be predictable. This allows the heat exchanging and accumulating properties of the overall system to be predictable as water moves through the particles. The ability to predict/calculate the heat exchanging and accumulating properties is appreciate in various situations, and it allows the system designer to adjust the diameter of the particles, which in turn adjusts the heat exchanging and accumulating properties of the overall system.

For instance, as shown in FIGS. 5 through 7, particles having different diameters may be utilized to provide different heat exchanging and accumulating properties. The geometrical shape of the heat exchanging particles may be determined at least in part based on temperature of the ground energy source and/or the desired flow rate. For instance, larger particles may provide higher flow rate, which may be suitable if it is determined that the ground energy source provides a relatively higher temperature. On the other hand, smaller particles may provide lower flow rate, which may be suitable if it is determined that the ground energy source provides a relatively lower temperature.

It is contemplated that the diameter of the particles may range between 1 cm and 10 cm, but may vary without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is also contemplated that the particles may include mostly rock, which is a naturally occurring solid aggregate of one or more minerals or mineraloids. However, other solid materials such as metallic materials or the like may also be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, while the particles 102 shown in the figures are generally spherical, other shapes and/or configurations may also be utilized.

Now, referring specifically to FIG. 1, a particular embodiment of the single well system 100 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. A well chamber 114 is utilized to provide fluid access into and out of the well. A sealant 116 seals the bottom of the well chamber 114 to prevent flow into the well other than through one or more predefined water inlets/pipes 118. Water delivered into the well through such pipes 118 is allowed to flow into the well downwards through the particles 102. It is contemplated that one or more deflectors 120 may be utilized to help evenly distribute the water flowing down the well, increasing heat exchange surfaces.

As described above, the water flowing down the well is then collected at the settling area 108 and eventually enters the bottom of the insulated tube 106 through its perforated portion. One or more water pumps 110 located near the bottom of the insulated tube 106 then pump the water up through one or more exhalant siphons 122 and out of the well 100. In this particular embodiment, the exhalant siphon 122 is positioned inside the insulated tube 106 until it enters the well chamber 114. Positioning the exhalant siphon 122 inside the insulated tube 106 minimizes heat transfer that may occur on the exhalant siphon 122 as water is pumped out of the well 100.

In one embodiment, the outer diameter D is configured to be between 15 to 100 cm, the inner diameter d is configured to be between 10 to 30 cm. The water flow rate is determined based on the particular pump utilized for the system, which may vary based on specific needs and requirements.

It is contemplated that the heat exchanging and accumulating single well system 100 in accordance with the present disclosure benefits from spacious heat exchange surface, continuously absorbing or releasing heat without any heat loss. The full contact of the particles 102 and the heat exchanging wall 104 greatly enhances the efficiency of heat exchanging and collection. It maximizes the utilization of ground energy and accumulates energy in a cyclic manner. Moreover, this system is applicable to various geological conditions. Therefore, it is a good solution for shallow-ground energy collection and a reliable technology to provide constant energy source for heat pumps.

FIG. 8 is a method flow diagram illustrating a heat transferring method 800 in accordance with the present disclosure. In one embodiment, step 802 may direct a working fluid (e.g., water) to flow through a plurality of heat exchanging particles disposed between a water-blocking heat-exchanging outer wall and an insulated inner tube as described above. Step 804 may collect the working fluid at the bottom of the inner tube and step 806 may then pump the collected working fluid through an exhalant siphon and deliver the working fluid for energy consumption. The working fluid may be cycle back in step 808 and the method may repeat again from step 802.

The technology of heat accumulating single well in accordance with the present disclosure overcomes the disadvantages presented in the buried pipe technology and greatly enhances working efficiency in collecting the heat. The heat accumulating single well in accordance with the present disclosure increases the area of heat collection surface. It is not restricted to the heat exchange model used in traditional buried pipe where down-flow is to collect heat and up-flow is to release heat. In addition, it improves the efficiency of heat collection in comparison to traditional buried pipe where the contact of fillings with pipes and ground energy is not full. Furthermore, the ability to predict/calculate the heat exchanging and accumulating properties is appreciate in various situations, and it allows the system designer to adjust the diameter of the particles, which in turn adjusts the heat exchanging and accumulating properties of the overall system.

Furthermore, it is contemplated that since the system in accordance with the present disclosure is a heat transfer system, it can be used alternatively for heating and/or cooling as is required. It is also understood that while the description above references water as the heat exchanging fluid, the fluid utilized in the system can be, without limitation, any working fluids include but are not limited to water, ethanol, methanol, acetone, as well as other engineered heat transfer fluids or any combination therein. Other working fluids having even better heat transfer characteristics may also be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

It is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to any underlying implementing technology. The present disclosure may be implemented using a variety of technologies without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure or without sacrificing all of its material advantages.

It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof, it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An underground heat transferring system, comprising: a water-blocking heat-exchanging outer wall defining an enclosure; an insulated tube located inside the enclosure, the insulated tube defining a perforated portion at the bottom; a plurality of heat exchanging particles disposed between the outer wall and the insulated tube; an inlet configured for receiving a working fluid and directing the working fluid to flow through the plurality of heat exchanging particles towards the bottom of the enclosure; a pump located inside the insulated tube, the pump configured for pumping the working fluid collected at the bottom of the insulated tube; and an exhalant siphon fluidly connected to the pump inside the insulated tube, the exhalant siphon configured for delivering the working fluid out of the underground heat transferring system.
 2. The heat transferring system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of heat exchanging particles having a predefined geometrical shape.
 3. The heat transferring system of claim 2, wherein the geometrical shape of the plurality of heat exchanging particles is determined at least in part based on temperature of a ground energy source.
 4. The heat transferring system of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of heat exchanging particles is a generally spherical shape particle having a diameter between 1 cm and 10 cm.
 5. The heat transferring system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of heat exchanging particles is uniform in size.
 6. The heat transferring system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of heat exchanging particles is a polished rock.
 7. The heat transferring system of claim 1, wherein the outer wall and the insulated tube extend generally parallel with respect to each other.
 8. The heat transferring system of claim 1, further comprising: at least one deflector positioned between the outer wall and the insulated tube.
 9. A heat transferring method, comprising: directing a working fluid to flow through a plurality of heat exchanging particles disposed between a water-blocking heat-exchanging outer wall and an insulated inner tube; collecting the working fluid at the bottom of the inner tube; and pumping the collected working fluid through an exhalant siphon to deliver the working fluid.
 10. The heat transferring method of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of heat exchanging particles having a predefined geometrical shape.
 11. The heat transferring method of claim 10, wherein the geometrical shape of the plurality of heat exchanging particles is determined at least in part based on temperature of a ground energy source.
 12. The heat transferring method of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of heat exchanging particles is a generally spherical shape particle having a diameter between 1 cm and 10 cm.
 13. The heat transferring method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of heat exchanging particles is uniform in size.
 14. The heat transferring method of claim 12, wherein said heat transferring method is configured for facilitating heat transfer for an underground heat transferring system.
 15. An underground heat transferring method, comprising: a) directing a working fluid to flow through a plurality of heat exchanging particles disposed between a water-blocking heat-exchanging outer wall and an insulated inner tube; b) collecting the working fluid at the bottom of the inner tube; c) pumping the collected working fluid through an exhalant siphon located inside the insulated tube to deliver the working fluid to a heat consuming device; and d) receiving the working fluid returned from the heat consuming device and repeating step a).
 16. The underground heat transferring method of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of heat exchanging particles having a predefined geometrical shape.
 17. The underground heat transferring method of claim 16, wherein the geometrical shape of the plurality of heat exchanging particles is determined at least in part based on temperature of a ground energy source.
 18. The underground heat transferring method of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of heat exchanging particles is a generally spherical shape particle having a diameter between 1 cm and 10 cm.
 19. The underground heat transferring method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of heat exchanging particles is uniform in size.
 20. The underground heat transferring method of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of heat exchanging particles is a polished rock. 